The Secret to Immortality

My favorite part of the New York Times is the obituary section. I love the big unpaid obituaries of people I've never heard of who created remarkable inventions that made my life worth living...ATMs, streaming channels, post it notes, to name just a few. l adore the unpaid obits of people who performed unfathomable acts of courage...spying on Russia during the cold war, saving Jews in occupied countries during WW2, opening a Chick Fil A in Chelsea. I enjoy the paid obits where every one is remarkable, beloved by her husband, wife, children, grandchildren, friends, founded a charity for a disease, funded a charity for a disease, worked tirelessly for a charity for a disease and fought a valiant effort against their own disease(usually the same as that founded or funded.) Although I do not love funerals, I do love eulogies and have heard many. Everyone eulogized was amazing-- funny, serious, strong, kind, selfless, driven, workaholic, family oriented, practical, visionary, successful, self-made. The obituaries have educated me about fabulous dead people I didn't know. The eulogies enlightened me about amazing people I thought I knew. But, on this New Year's Day, I want to share the insight I've gleaned from the world of the deceased: NO MEDIOCRE PERSON EVER DIED. Consequently, this year do not aspire to greatness. The pressure is off. Your resolution should be to to be ordinary, ie mediocre. That way, you will be live forever. That is my resolution. Frankly, for me it doesn't require a change in lifestyle. It may be harder for some of you. But I would love to have you share immortality with me, so try. Happy New Year.